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But after working his way back from that, many Gunners fans had to see the midfield maestro in action for them once more Especially after he was spotted warming up on the Emirates turf ahead of the Europa League semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid at the end of last season.

However, after Arsene Wenger departed the club, new head coach Unai Emery did not have a place for him in his new-look squad, and Cazorla, who had been told he would not walk again, having suffered an infection in his leg that required a skin graft from his arm, is back where it all began, playing for his first club Villarreal.

But why was he warming up for that Europa League clash when he was not in the squad, and why did he not make a final appearance for the Gunners, when they had another three Premier League games still to play?

Cazorla has given an in-depth interview about his two-year absence and the medical problems he has suffered to the Guardian's Sid Lowe.

And in it he speaks about Arsenal and leaving the club.

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Cazorla said: "The people love me there and I’ll always have a connection with Arsenal, so much affection. Not being able to say goodbye playing at the Emirates is like a thorn in my side. If I had to leave, I wanted it to be in front of the fans.

"I asked if I could [train ahead of the Europa League clash] because I didn’t know if I would play again. It was nothing much really: four laps, dribble a bit, but just being there again on that grass, just to feel the warmth of the crowd was lovely. To think 'I’m going to take something with me, even if I don’t play again’."